PUC told Punaluu Water & Sanitation lacks funds beyond Feb. 28; owner plans temporary rate filing to avert service loss

Commissioner Naomi Kauai of the Public Utilities Commission opened a virtual status conference to receive updates on Punaluu Water and Sanitation (PWS), and counsel for PWS told the commissioners the utility lacks the funds to operate beyond Feb. 28, 2025 and intends to file a temporary rate increase application “sometime next week” to cover immediate operating costs.

The case matters because a loss or reduction of water and wastewater service could affect fire suppression, public health and nearshore waters for Punaluu customers and visitors. The Commission said it seeks information to confirm whether PWS can continue operations and, if not, what steps would ensure uninterrupted service.

PWS counsel Will Yamamoto said PWS temporarily paused a general rate case filed June 28, 2024, because of financial difficulty paying vendors, consultants and counsel. Yamamoto told the commission that Big Island Water and Sanitation (the current operator) notified PWS on or about Jan. 6 that it would cease operations after Feb. 28 unless past-due fees, and ongoing monthly and repair costs, were paid. Yamamoto summarized the…